On construction sites, different vehicles come and go, delivering materials, removing debris, and picking up and dropping off personnel. Building large-scale commercial and residential projects throughout Sydney requires a large number of heavy-duty vehicles and machines like bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks. Most of the time, all loading and unloading is done on the construction site. But when there isn’t enough space, it becomes necessary to apply for a construction work zone permit.
Handling traffic is important in managing safety risks at a construction site. When carrying out construction work on or near a public road, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) needs to contact the relevant road authority for traffic management guidelines and requirements. This information should be included in your construction traffic management plan (CTMP), an essential document that outlines the measures and procedures needed to manage traffic in the area.
Construction is a high-risk industry, and it’s important to maintain the safety of employees, passing motorists, pedestrians and others in the zone. Here’s the SSTC guide to knowing when you need a permit for your construction work zone and why it’s important.
A construction work zone, also known as an on-street work zone or a construction loading zone, is a section of road where vehicles involved in construction work are allowed to stop. A driver can stop in a construction work zone if they’re involved in construction work or picking up or dropping off someone who is. An approved work zone should be used exclusively for picking up and dropping off people and equipment, and drivers are not allowed to wait or park in the work zone.
A construction work zone permit is a legal authorisation that allows those involved in construction projects to use designated zones. The purpose of a permit is to help make the process of managing traffic around a construction site clearer and more efficient.
If you need a designated parking area for workers to park in during your construction project, you can also apply for a construction parking permit a minimum of seven days before work is scheduled to begin.
In construction, permits ensure your work adheres to safety standards and local regulations, protecting your workers and covering your bases legally. That includes construction work zone permits. The top reasons these permits are so important include:
When construction sites are close to roads, both employees and ordinary members of the public are at risk if anything goes wrong. Permits ensure that construction companies follow safety protocols, including installing proper signage and barriers.
Having a dedicated on-street works zone helps to minimise disruptions to traffic flow, which is especially important in a busy, bustling city like Sydney.
Construction projects in NSW are subject to strict legal regulations, and not just as far as traffic is concerned. Permits ensure that all work carried out is legal and above board, avoiding fines, delays and other issues.
A major city like Sydney is likely to have multiple construction projects happening simultaneously. Work zone permits give local authorities the chance to keep on top of these activities in order to prevent clashing schedules or disruptions to the city’s infrastructure, including local businesses.
Here’s how to apply for a construction work zone permit:
To apply for a construction work zone permit, you must already have a construction traffic management plan (CTMP), and your proposed work zone must comply with it.
The form details fees and charges, submission dates, and required documentation. Make sure you fill out all details—incomplete information will delay the processing of your form.
You can drop into a service centre to lodge your form or email applications@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. There’s no need to include payment with your form—the council will contact you to organise it. Permits take an average of 6-8 weeks to be approved, so it’s best to apply for yours early.
Construction projects come with their share of challenges and complications to overcome, and there are factors that can complicate the process of applying for a construction work zone permit. Some issues to consider when making your application include:
Some locations are unsuitable and illegal for designated construction zones. These include bus zones, taxi zones, bus lanes, and clearways within 10m of an intersection without traffic lights and within 20m of an intersection with traffic lights. No-parking and No-Stopping zones are also a no-go, and there are other areas that the council might deem inappropriate at their discretion.
You need a CTMP before you can apply for a work zone permit, and the details of your work zone need to comply with it.
You need separate approval if you plan to swing or hoist goods from your work zone using a hoist, crane, or lift.
If there are any trees in the vicinity that may constrain your loading and unloading, your proposed work zone has to accommodate these trees without the need for major pruning.
A traffic control plan (TCP) specifies the tools and methods you’ll be using to implement your CTMP. A set of instructions drawn as a diagram depicting the conditions of the road, it’s a vital tool for guarding the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians.
Having a TCP shows the Sydney Council the level of thought and planning you’ve put into managing traffic around your construction project and helps you meet the approval process's requirements.
It can be difficult keeping on top of all the plans and permits you need to carry out construction work in Sydney, which is why it helps to have professionals on your side. Two of the most common documents required are the construction traffic management plan (CTMP) and traffic control plan (TCP), which both deal with the impact of your project on road users. SSTC can take charge of these permits and more.
A construction traffic management plan is a crucial component of managing the interaction of people and vehicles around your construction site. It helps prevent traffic and pedestrian disruption around the area and reduces the risk of injuries and damage. This document contains traffic routing, detour plans, and enhanced safety measures for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. SSTC can tailor it to meet the needs of your construction project.
Trusted by some of Australia’s biggest construction companies, SSTC has 25 years of combined experience. We’re experts in traffic management services and can assist with acquiring all plans and permits in Sydney.
To find out more, get your free quote and do it the right way, the SSTC way.